Dr. Christine Rae Whetter – Internist / Geriatrician | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Christine Rae Whetter is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that her patients receive safe, ethical, and patient-centered care. Dr. Whetter’s role involves addressing a broad spectrum of adult health issues, with particular expertise in managing the unique needs of older adults and seniors.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine in 1999, Canada, and completed extensive postgraduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her education and certifications have equipped her with a deep understanding of complex adult health conditions, enabling her to offer specialized assessment, diagnosis, and management tailored to each patient’s needs.

Driven by a warm and compassionate philosophy, Dr. Whetter is committed to fostering a trusting and supportive environment for her patients. She speaks English fluently and values building strong relationships with her community in Ottawa. Her clinical approach emphasizes personalized care, preventative strategies, and collaborative decision-making to enhance the health and quality of life of her patients.

Dr. Whetter provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.

Dr. Whetter manages a wide range of complex adult and geriatric health conditions. This list highlights common areas of focus. If your condition is not listed, please note that internal medicine specialists address diverse and often multi-systemic diseases. Consultation is typically initiated via referral from your primary care physician.

• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Whetter. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, she provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Whetter's scope of practice, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Dr. Whetter's practice is located in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods of Ottawa. The location is conveniently situated near Chinatown Gateway and Carleton University, making it accessible for residents in the area. Patients can reach the clinic easily via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, providing ease of access for patients attending appointments.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Whetter? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Whetter are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)) when you present a valid health card and have the required referral. You generally do not pay directly for the consultation service itself. Some specific procedures, forms, or administrative tasks might not be covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and may incur a separate fee according to provincial guidelines. Please inquire if you have questions about uninsured services.

Can I book an appointment directly or do I absolutely need a referral?

A referral from your family physician or another medical specialist is required to see Dr. Whetter. As experts in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Internists and Geriatricians see patients based on specific medical questions posed by the referring doctor. This ensures continuity of care and that the consultation is appropriate for your needs. Please have your doctor forward the referral information.

What happens after the initial consultation?

After your assessment, Dr. Whetter will typically send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations to your referring physician. Depending on your specific situation and the reason for referral, Dr. Whetter may arrange follow-up appointments, order further tests, or transition care management back to your family doctor with specialist guidance. The plan will be discussed with you.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical problem?

Dr. Whetter's office provides specialist consultations and is not equipped for emergency care. If you have an urgent medical issue or emergency, please contact your family doctor, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, or call 911.

Does Dr. Whetter handle prescription refills?

Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Whetter will make initial recommendations or adjustments, but routine refills are best handled by your family doctor who manages your overall care, unless specific arrangements are made for certain specialized medications.

When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?

Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases (like advanced Thyroid Disorders or Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders), multiple interacting medical conditions, or unexplained symptoms. For older adults, referrals are common for geriatric syndromes such as falls, memory decline, frailty, or complex medication management (Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.

Suite 2, 501 Smyth Rd.
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6

Phone: (613) 798-5555 | Fax: (613) 739-6890

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Whetter is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Whetter-Christine-Rae/0161745-73589